Pictured are graduates taking their pledge and holding a lantern, a tradition and tribute to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, often call “The lady with the lamp.” The lamp represents light and hope, guidance, and commitment.
Elizabeth, NJ, June 23, 2025 – RWJBarnabas Health Trinitas School of Nursing proudly celebrated its 174th graduating class at St. Michael’s Church in Cranford, NJ. The Class of 2025, consisting of 76 nursing students, each received a diploma from the School of Nursing and an Associate in Science degree from Union College of Union County, NJ (UCNJ). Additionally, more than 14 convocation awards were presented, recognizing exceptional achievements in leadership, academic excellence, and compassionate patient care. Among the honorees:
- Keiyona Evans received the Mary Beth L. Kelley Award for High Nursing Honors and the Dean’s Leadership Award for exemplary contributions to the Student Nurses Association and academic excellence. Evans was also honored with the First Scholarship Award for achieving the highest scholastic average.
- Tori Maple was recognized with the Leadership Award for her role as President of the Trinitas Student Nurses Association, Inc.
- Nicole Bravo-Saldias was awarded the DAISY Award for providing exceptional care and compassion to patients and their families.
Speakers at the ceremony included Class of 2025 graduates Tijana Nallasegaram and AJ Balut, along with Dean Roseminda N. Santee, DNP, MA, RN, NEA-BC, CNE, ANEF, and Mary McTigue, DNP, RNC, CENP, RWJBarnabas Health School of Nursing Advisor and Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, Trinitas Regional Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility Dean Santee reflected on the graduates’ journey, stating, “Today we celebrate the triumph of 76 men and women who worked diligently to complete their nursing education. You are now closer to realizing your goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. Stand tall and keep your shoulders strong, for you are the future graduates of RWJBarnabas Health School of Nursing, paving the way for those who will follow in your footsteps.”
Pictured is Dean Rose Santee with RN graduate, Christian Glaser
McTigue echoed this sentiment, adding, “Graduating from nursing school is no small feat. It requires dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to learning. Take a deep breath, look around and celebrate because you made it.”
This momentous occasion marks the final class to be pinned as graduates of Trinitas School of Nursing, now officially renamed RWJBarnabas Health School of Nursing. Originally founded in 1891 as the Elizabeth General Training School, the institution has built upon its rich legacy, continuing to provide aspiring nurses with opportunities to develop the skills necessary to support its mission of building and sustaining a healthier New Jersey.
Looking ahead, RWJBarnabas Health School of Nursing is ushering in a new era of nursing education with the addition of a Generic RN Track at its new Oceanport, NJ, location. Enrollment and applications for the Fall 2025 semester are now open, expanding access to high-quality nursing education for students across the state.
“This expansion marks a significant milestone for the nursing school and underscores the health system’s ongoing commitment to excellence in nursing education—empowering the next generation of compassionate, skilled nurses across the state ,” said Nancy Holecek, MAS, MHA, BSN, RN, FNAP, Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer of RWJBarnabas Health.
With a curriculum grounded in nursing, biological, behavioral, and social sciences, the RWJBarnabas Health School of Nursing remains steadfast in its mission to provide students with the knowledge, experience, and training needed to succeed in the field. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the New Jersey State Board of Nursing, the program offers a variety of options to help future nurses complete their education and begin their careers.
This transition marks a transformative chapter, preserving the school’s legacy of excellence while expanding opportunities for aspiring nurses across New Jersey.
Learn more at rwjbh.org/nursingschool.
Pictured are graduates left to right; Nathaly S. Claros, Nicole A. Bravo-Saldias and Efstratia (Stacey) Skouras
About RWJBarnabas Health
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.
RWJBarnabas Health partners with its diverse communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate and equitable manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.
RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers, with more than 43,000 employees, contributing more than $5.5 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org